How to become a substitute teacher in New York
The New York State Education Department does not issue substitute teaching certificates. Districts may add their own rules, such as a college degree or a teaching certificate. A sub with no certificate who is not working toward one can work no more than 40 days in a district or BOCES in a school year. Substitute teachers must be fingerprinted through the state's fingerprint system. New York City requires its own substitute teacher license.
Checked October 30, 2026 on the New York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives's own pages. Rules change; the state's page and your district have the last word.
At a glance
| Least schooling | Set by each district |
|---|---|
| Credential | No state certificate; districts hire directly |
| Background check | Substitute teachers must be fingerprinted. NYSED uses the statewide IDEMIA fingerprint system run with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. |
| Who issues it | New York State Education Department, Office of Teaching Initiatives |
How to get it
- Check the requirements of the district or BOCES where you want to work.
- Apply to that district or BOCES as a substitute.
- Get fingerprinted through NYSED's vendor, IDEMIA, using the service code the district gives you.
- In New York City, apply for the NYCDOE substitute teacher license instead.
Limits and conditions
- Certified subs can work any number of days, but past 40 days in a district they must teach in their certified area.
- Subs taking at least six semester hours a year toward certification can work any number of days, in their target area past 40 days.
- Subs with no certificate who are not working toward one are limited to 40 days per district or BOCES per school year.
- A superintendent can allow up to 90 days, or longer for a specific class, after a good faith search for a certified teacher.
Ready for the first day
Sources
- NYSED Office of Teaching Initiatives: Substitute Teaching (opened October 30, 2026)
- NYSED: Who Must Be Fingerprinted (opened October 30, 2026)
- NYSED: Fingerprinting (opened October 30, 2026)
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